Final testimony heard in Tower Hill inquiry
The Supreme Court building in Belize City was once again the venue for an inquiry into events that took place some fifty miles to the north, over a month ago. As has become her habit, News 5’s Ann-Marie Williams was on hand for the Q and A.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
The Commission of Inquiry charged to investigate the circumstance surrounding the July thirtieth riot at Tower Hill Bridge, wrapped up six and a half days of testimonies from twenty-three witnesses in Orange Walk and Belize City.
Four witnesses testified this morning before the three-man commission. Warrant officer Keith Flowers, who issued the ammunition on July thirtieth, Police Commissioner Hughington Williams, Senior Superintendent Bernard Lino and Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Works and Transport Gerald Henry.
The primary question of the day had to be when Justice Blackman asked Williams how would he rate the intelligence he had been given for the riot, on a scale of one to five. One being the lowest, five being the highest. Williams took a breath and said a four.
The chairman suggested that if the gravity of the information received was rated so high, why didn’t the police have better central co-ordination. Williams told the commission that he would have preferred the use of the Dragon Unit. However, at the time they were involved in other activities vital to the nation’s security.
The question about the readiness of police equipment was also raised. Williams’ defence was that as far back as 1997 submissions were made to the then Ministry of National Security for riot equipment, which the force still hasn’t received.
The commission chairman produced a copy of the police’s five-year plan asking Williams where in the document could such a request for equipment be found. Williams was unable to show the commission saying instead that the requests were contained in several other documents.
Senior Superintendent Lino was recalled a second time to answer how he rated the information he received prior to the riot. he said between one point five to two.
The courtroom was not without its share of laughs. When Justice Blackman asked Henry if he’s satisfied with the way permits are being dealt with, Henry took a deep breath, saying, “The system is not perfect. There’s always room for improvement and we’re trying to make the transport system safe.” Justice Blackman took a deep breath also, smiled and said “Mr. Henry, you’re well qualified for a third career in the diplomatic service.”
The commission will now rest to review the hundred of pages of testimony.
Justice Christopher Blackman, Commission of Inquiry
“We may determine that there are person who’ve given evidence that we make wish to make a finding that is critical of that person. So we will go through the evidence and make sure whether this is the case or not. If there is such person or persons identified, we’ll call them back and give them an opportunity to explain the conduct that has given us cause for concern to make that preliminary finding.”
Blackman says if there are no such persons, their job is to review the evidence and write a report which is expected to be finished by the end of October for presentation to the Prime Minister. Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
